[Bart Tyson]

Originally posted by Shogun

I understand when screening/blocking, hands should be straight up or straight down, altho the defender (or anyone, I assume) can use his hands to protect himself in a collision. Hands/arms/legs must be in the plane of the body, ie, not wider than shoulder width. Hopefully I'm right so far...

Straight up or down- not necessary
Not wider than shoulder- Your natural stance. example- take you hands and put then over your heart. your elbows are more on your side,but wider than your shoulders, but no daylight between your body and the inside of your elbow.

The question:
Can the defender hold his forearm horizontally out in front of his body, out from his chest? He's not pushing or swinging, and his position is otherwise legal; he's just holding his bent arm (90 degrees) out between himself and his opponent. Seems odd to me...

Not a good idea, unless your are a woman and in college.

So, is there anything wrong with this (assuming there's non-incidental contact)? Does it matter if his opponent has the ball or not?

Thanks!
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